Thomas Greiss believes Semyon Varlamov will be the starting goalie for Tuesday night’s Game 5 against the Flyers at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto with the Islanders holding a 3-1 lead in the second-round series.
“Varly’s has been playing unreal,” Greiss said after making 36 saves in Sunday’s 3-2 win in Game 4, his first start since March 7. “I don’t think there’s much debate.”
Varlamov started the Islanders’ first 12 postseason games, including making 26 saves in Saturday’s 3-1 win in Game 3, and is 9-2 with a 1.69 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage.
Still, Greiss’ performance both in Game 4 and his 20-save relief appearance in the Islanders’ 4-3 overtime loss in Game 2, gives coach Barry Trotz a tough decision.